Strong Pitch-Angle Scattering of Energetic Electrons in the Presence of Electrostatic Waves above the Ionospheric Trough Region.
Abstract
Simultaneous measurements of energetic electrons and electrostatic waves in the midlatitude trough region indicate that events characterized by strong pitch-angle diffusion in the altitude range 2000 to 4500 km occur in the presence of ELF electrostatic waves. These waves are attributed to a current-driven ion cyclotron instability. Scattering by electrostatic waves is sufficient to account for the strong pitch-angle scattering commonly observed by low-altitude satellites and for the hsarply defined feature previously referred to as the 3outer trapping boundary.3 (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0736432
Entities
People
- Alfred L. Vampola
- Donald A. Mcpherson
- Harry C. Koons
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation